Repetition Index Encoding for Wireless Coverage Extension
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless telecommunications systems face challenges in providing adequate downlink configuration information to user equipment in high attenuation areas, leading to communication failures, especially for immobile devices like smart meters, and inefficiently use repetition to achieve coverage improvements.
Innovation Solution
A method is introduced where a repetition index is encoded on a downlink channel to control and identify the number of times transmissions are repeated on other channels, allowing for tailored coverage extensions based on specific attenuation levels, reducing signaling overhead and improving spectral efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If repetition is used to achieve coverage improvement, then network coverage is improved, but spectral efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by differentiating repetition levels based on specific channel types and attenuation conditions. Instead of uniform maximum repetition, the system selects appropriate repetition levels (e.g., 4 repetitions for PDCCH/PDSCH in moderate attenuation, higher repetitions for PRACH in severe attenuation), optimizing the balance between coverage and spectral efficiency for each local communication scenario.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics by making repetition levels adjustable and adaptive rather than fixed. The base station dynamically selects repetition levels based on real-time channel conditions, device type, and communication requirements. This allows the system to transition between high repetition modes (for coverage enhancement) and low repetition modes (for spectral efficiency), resolving the contradiction dynamically.
2Reliability
If maximum repetition is used to ensure coverage, then reliability is improved, but signaling overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by varying the repetition level parameter based on channel conditions and device requirements. Instead of always using maximum repetition, the system changes the repetition parameter to match actual needs - using higher repetitions only when necessary for reliable communication in high attenuation areas, thereby reducing unnecessary signaling overhead in moderate coverage scenarios.
3Device complexity
If uniform repetition is applied to all channels, then implementation simplicity is maintained, but adaptability to different attenuation levels deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing channels into different categories (control channels like PDCCH, data channels like PDSCH, random access channels like PRACH) and applying different repetition levels to each segment based on its specific attenuation characteristics and communication requirements. This segmented approach maintains manageable implementation complexity while achieving high adaptability.
Data Source
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AI summary
Wireless telecommunications methods, a computer program product and network nodes are disclosed. The wireless telecommunication network base station method, comprises encoding, on a first downlink channel between the base station and user equipment, an index identifying a number of times that transmissions are repeated by at least one other channel between the base station and user equipment. This provides an efficient and reliable technique for controlling and identifying the number of times that transmissions are repeated by other channels in order to extend their coverage. By utilizing a particular index, a desired amount of repetition can be made in order to achieve a desired amount of coverage extension.